Adrien Bartovic (C, L, 6’0″, 172, Malmo, 03/09/2007)
Adrien Bartovic is an intelligent, two-way center who plays a structured and detail-oriented game. His ability to process the play quickly in all three zones and ice awareness makes him a player who could turn himself into a first-round selection in the 2025 NHL Draft. Bartovic blends hockey sense with a strong work ethic, making him a reliable presence on both sides of the puck, but his offensive upside and goal-scoring instincts set him apart as a player with top-six NHL potential.
Strengths:
- 200-Foot Game and Game Processing:
Bartovic’s strongest attribute is his complete, two-way game. He excels in all three zones, using his hockey IQ to read plays and position himself in the right areas to pick off passes and start offensive transition. His defensive awareness is beyond his years, and he shows great discipline in backchecking and supporting his defensemen below the tops of the circles. On offense, he processes the play quickly, positioning himself in the lanes and getting to open ice to create scoring chances. - Offensive Instincts and Goal-Scoring Ability:
Bartovic has demonstrated elite offensive instincts, particularly his ability to find soft spots in defensive coverage and capitalize on scoring chances. His production in the J18 Nationell league (22 goals, 24 assists, 46 points in 26 games) highlights his high-end goal-scoring ability. His success in international play with Czechia U17 (8 goals, 13 points in 14 games) further emphasizes his knack for finding the net in high-pressure situations. Bartovic consistently positions himself in prime scoring areas, with a large percentage of his shot attempts (43 from within 8 feet of the crease, 71 from the high slot) indicating his comfort playing in traffic and his willingness to attack the net. - Quick Release and Puck Poise:
Bartovic possesses a quick, accurate release, averaging 4.9 shot attempts per game and 3.1 shots on goal, a testament to his offensive confidence. His ability to get pucks on net from high-danger areas is a key part of his game. He rarely hesitates, playing with his head up and scanning the ice for opportunities. His shot selection and puck-handling poise suggest he has the offensive vision to thrive at higher levels. - Competitiveness and Battle Level:
Winning 53% of his 50/50 puck battles, Bartovic’s competitiveness is something worth noting. He consistently engages in physical battles, despite his lighter frame, showing a willingness to play in the tough areas. As he adds more strength and power, his effectiveness in puck battles will only improve, elevating his overall impact in tight spaces and along the boards.
Areas for Improvement:
- Strength and Explosiveness:
While Bartovic is highly skilled and competitive, his lack of physical strength is evident in his transition to higher levels of play, as demonstrated by his limited production in the J20 Nationell (0 goals, 1 assist in 9 games). For him to become a more dominant player, particularly at the professional level, he will need to focus heavily on his off-ice training and physical development. Improving his strength and explosiveness will allow him to better handle the rigors of North American professional hockey, improve his puck battles, and enhance his overall game speed. - Passing Accuracy and Decision-Making:
Bartovic’s 77% passing completion rate indicates a tendency to force plays, particularly when trying to create offense. through Royal Road passes While his confidence is admirable, NHL scouts will be looking for him to improve his decision-making when it comes to distributing the puck. As he matures, he will need to strike a balance between his offensive creativity and his ability to make smart, high-percentage plays in tight coverage. - Special Teams Play:
Bartovic’s limited time on the penalty kill (averaging only 0:24 per game) suggests that his defensive game still has room for growth. Adding this element to his game would make him more versatile and valuable to any team. Continuing to develop his defensive zone awareness, particularly in special teams situations, will be key as NHL organizations project him.
Outlook for the 2024/25 Season:
In the 2024/25 season, NHL scouts will be watching Bartovic closely to see how he adapts to playing at a higher level, particularly in terms of his physical development and consistency. If he can add strength, improve his decision-making with the puck, and continue to demonstrate his high-level goal-scoring ability, Bartovic has the potential to secure a first round selection in the 2025 NHL Draft. His well-rounded game, combined with his offensive upside, positions him as a center who can make an impact in both the offensive and defensive zones, with the ceiling to be a reliable forward at the NHL level.
Bartovic’s combination of hockey IQ, competitiveness, and goal-scoring instincts makes him a high-ceiling prospect, and with continued development in key areas, he could be a valuable asset for any NHL organization.